C15 - Groups + Goal Setting

Question 1

What is the difference between a group and a cohesive group?

Answer 1

• Group: A collection of individuals with a shared purpose but may lack unity.
• Cohesive Group: A team that works together effectively towards a common goal, displaying high task and social cohesion.

Question 2

What is Carron’s Model of Cohesion?

Answer 2

• A theory that explains how teams develop cohesion based on four factors:

Question 3

What are the four factors affecting team cohesion?

Answer 3

1. **Environmental factors **– Group size, age, contracts, facilities, proximity.
2. Personal factors – Personality, motivation, satisfaction of players.
3. Leadership factors – Coach’s style, team communication, relationships.
4. Team factors – Shared experiences, team goals, success, stability.

Question 4

What are the two types of cohesion?

Answer 4

• Task cohesion – Working together to achieve a goal.
• Social cohesion – Interpersonal relationships and team bonding.
• Task cohesion is more important than social cohesion in elite teams.

Question 5

What is Steiner’s Model of Group Productivity?

Answer 5

• A model explaining how team performance is affected by individual ability and team coordination.
• Actual Productivity = Potential Productivity - Faulty Processes

Question 6

What do the terms mean in Steiner’s Model?

Answer 6

• Potential Productivity – The best possible performance based on individual ability.
• Faulty Processes – Factors reducing team effectiveness (coordination & motivation problems).

Question 7

What are the two main faulty processes in Steiner’s Model?

Answer 7

1. Coordination losses – Poor communication, lack of teamwork (e.g., players not understanding tactics).
2. Motivation losses – Some players put in less effort, especially in large teams.

Question 8

What is the Ringlemann Effect?

Answer 8

• As group size increases, individual effort decreases.
• Due to coordination & motivation losses.
• E.g., in a large rowing team, some rowers may reduce effort, relying on others.

Question 9

What is Social Loafing?

Answer 9

• Individuals reduce effort when working in a team.
• Occurs when a player believes their effort isn’t noticed or valued.
• Common in large teams & when individual contributions aren’t measured.

Question 10

How can coaches reduce social loafing?

Answer 10

• Give individual feedback.
• Use small teams.
• Set clear individual responsibilities.
• Encourage team identity and accountability.

Question 11

What does SMARTER stand for?

Answer 11

• Specific – Goals must tailored to athletes sport.
• Measurable – Progress should be trackable.
• Achievable – Goals must be realistic.
• Realistic – Goals should match the athlete’s ability.
• Time-bound – A deadline should be set.
• Evaluated – Regular assessment of progress.
• Recorded – written down

Question 12

What are the three main types of goals?

Answer 12

1. Outcome Goals – Focus on winning (e.g., winning a tournament).
2. Performance Goals – Focus on individual performance (e.g., improving a sprint time).
3. Process Goals – Focus on technique and skills (e.g., improving dribbling ability).

Question 13

Why is goal setting important in sport?

Answer 13

• Increases motivation – Gives athletes something to aim for.
• Improves focus – Helps maintain concentration.
• Boosts confidence – Achieving goals builds self-belief.
• Enhances performance – Provides structure to training & competition.
• Reduces anxiety – Creates a sense of control.

Question 14

How does goal setting affect performance?

Answer 14

• Directs attention to key aspects of performance.
• Regulates effort – Encourages athletes to push harder.
• Encourages persistence – Helps athletes stay committed.
• Develops strategies – Encourages structured training.